What is a bridal outlet?
We are! We offer designer sample gowns to our brides at discounted and reasonable prices. Your experience at Vows Bridal Outlet will be different than at a typical retail store. We have a large inventory with over 1000 sample gowns to choose from. You are able to browse through our entire inventory and decide what gowns you would like to try on. We sell most of our gowns right off the rack so you may be able to leave with the gown of your dreams that day!
What is a sample?
Many wedding gown manufacturers require their retailers to buy a minimum number of gowns to be used as showroom items, also known as “samples”. These gowns come in a variety of sizes and may have been tried on several times or not at all depending on the store. These gowns have not been worn in a wedding or altered but they may have some small imperfections, which is why we are able to offer them at 50 to 80% off their original retail prices.
What lines are you an Authorized Retailer for?
In addition to our large collection of off the rack sample gowns we also carry gowns that can be custom ordered. These lines are Allure, Wtoo by Watters, Essence of Australia, Martina Liana, Mikaella, Blu by Mori Lee, and Julietta by Mori Lee.
How do I make an appointment?
Making an appointment is easy! To make an appointment at VOWS you can either call us directly at the store at 800-831-8697 or book your appointment online using the “Make an Appointment” option under the VOWS-Our-Store drop down on the bridepower.com task bar.
How far in advance should I make an appointment?
For weekday appointments we recommend booking 1 to 2 weeks in advance. Our Saturday appointments book up quickly so we recommend booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance!
What should I bring to my appointment?
We suggest bringing a strapless bra and maybe a favorite pair of heels but you really don’t need much besides yourself!
How many people can I bring to my appointment?
Three people fit comfortably in our fitting rooms. If you need to bring more than three people, we may not have seating available for your entire entourage. Some members of your group may have to sit in the common area and you will have to exit the fitting room area to show them each dress you try on.
How does the waitlist work?
If we are booked on a specific day you would like an appointment for we will add you to the waitlist for that day. Once a bride cancels her appointment we will call the first person on the waitlist. Once we have called, you have one hour to confirm that you would like to take the open appointment time. If we do not hear from you within the hour we move on to the next bride on the list.
Can you put gowns aside for me ahead of time to try on during my appointment?
Unfortunately we can not as we sell our gowns off the floor and removing them is unfair to our other brides. However, if you see gowns you would like to try on bridepower.com please feel free to give your consultant the BP number of the gown during your appointment. They can assist you in finding the gown in the store.
Is your inventory on bridepower.com the same as in store?
For the most part the online inventory is accurate to our store inventory. We do have a handful of dresses in the store that we haven’t had an opportunity to photograph yet but we do our best to update the website as soon as possible.
What should I expect during my appointment?
Upon your arrival to our store someone will greet you and show you the layout of the store. We allow you to browse our entire inventory and select the gowns you would like to try on within your appointment time. We have staff available to answer any questions you may have. Once you are in the fitting room you will have a consultant working one on one with you. If you would like, your consultant can select styles for you to try based on your preferences.
Can I bring champagne?
Unfortunately we do not allow any beverages in the store.
Do you have accessories in store?
Yes. We carry veils, belts, headpieces, and boleros in our showroom. However, we have more jewelry online than in store. We ask that you make an appointment to come and look at our pieces. Most items in store take a few weeks for order time. Please contact an associate for details.
Do I need an appointment to look at accessories in store?
We do advise making an appointment so that we may be sure we have someone on hand to answer any questions you may have. We also suggest coming on a weekday if possible as our Saturdays are very busy and we may not have someone available to assist you.
Do you have a seamstress at the store?
While we do not have a seamstress in house we do have someone who can answer alteration questions for you during your appointment. We do have a local seamstress, Alterations by Anahit, who we highly recommend to our brides.
How much does the seamstress charge?
The cost of alterations will depend on what work needs to be done to the dress. On average alterations start at around $250 and go up in cost from there.
When should I make my alterations appointment?
We advise calling to schedule your first fitting 5 or 6 months before your wedding. Your first fitting will take place approximately 3 months before your wedding.
How many fitting appointments will I need?
How many fittings you will need will depend on how much work the dress requires. The average amount of fittings is between 3 to 4.
Where can I get my gown cleaned and/or pressed?
We recommend ROSS CLEANERS located in Brookline MA. They can be reached at 617-566-9872. We recommend having your gown cleaned before alterations, not after. Pressing is done after alterations have been completed. You will want to make arrangements to have your gown pressed close to your wedding day.
How do I store my gown? Can you store them at VOWS?
Gowns should be stored in a white bag and placed in a regular closet. Do not expose the dress to light, pets, or to any extreme temperatures. Unfortunately we do not have the space to accommodate long term gown storage for our brides but will be happy to give you information detailing storage instructions when your gown is picked up.
Can I put a gown on hold?
We do offer a hold policy for gowns priced $1000 and above. We require a deposit of 20% of the gown price which takes the gown off the floor for 5 consecutive days. If you decide against the gown within that 5 day period your deposit is returned to you in the form of a store credit which can be used towards anything else we carry. If we do not hear from you within the 5 day period we assume that you will be keeping the dress. If you go against the gown after the 5 day hold period your deposit is forfeited. Gowns priced $999 and below must be paid in full for and taken home that day.
When is the gown balance due? Do you do a “layaway”?
The remaining gown balance is due within 15 days from the day of deposit. We accept all major credit cards (Amex, MC, Visa, and Discover) and cash. Please note that if you will be paying your remaining balance and picking up your gown on the same day we can not accept a check as payment as the check must clear before the gown can leave the store.
I have put a gown on hold and would like to cancel within 5 days. How do I get a store credit?
You must email us at vows@bridepower.com with your name saying that you wish to go against your gown and receive a store credit. You will receive your credit by email within 3-5 days of returning.
How long does my store credit last?
Store credits do not expire.
Can I use my store credit online?
Yes, your store credit can be used towards any online items. You will have been issued a coupon code in the email confirming your return. Simply type the code into the coupon box during the checkout process. If you will be using your store credit to order invitations please enter in the notes field during check out that you have a store credit you would like to use and we will apply it before the order is processed.
Can I give my store credit to a friend?
Store credits can be transferred to a friend but can be used for deposit on a gown only. If she goes against her gown the deposit will revert to her and not to you, the original bride.
